The veterinary student will be provided with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a mixed animal veterinary practice while working directly under the supervision and mentorship of licensed veterinarians. The student will be exposed to both small and large animal medicine, with experiences tailored to the practice caseload and the student’s current level of training. With six veterinarians on our team, the student will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of clinical experiences, perspectives, and areas of expertise.
Clinical experiences may include observing and assisting with patient examinations, history taking, diagnostic testing, development of differential diagnoses and treatment plans, preventive medicine, client communication, medical record documentation, surgical and dental procedures, anesthesia and patient monitoring, emergency and urgent care, and hospitalized patient management.
Large animal experiences may include farm calls, equine and livestock examinations, preventive health care, vaccinations, lameness evaluations, diagnostic procedures, field treatments, minor surgical procedures, and emergency cases when available.
The student will work alongside veterinarians and veterinary support staff to gain a better understanding of the daily operation of a mixed animal practice, including case management, communication with clients and team members, time management, professional decision-making, and continuity of patient care.
Our team includes 6 Veterinarians, 3 Registered Veterinary Technicians, and 13 Veterinary Assistants. Our facility includes 4 exam rooms, 1 comfort room, surgery suite, dental suite, pharmacy, radiology, and a lab area featuring primarily Idexx equipment. In addition, our equine area offers 4 equine stalls, 2 stocks, mobile xray, and farm truck.
Our hours of operation are M-F from 7am until 5pm with team members working rotating 4 day, 10 hour shifts. The veterinary extern is expected to be an active participant in the clinical experience rather than solely an observer. The level of participation will be based upon the student's year of veterinary education, demonstrated skills and knowledge, individual case circumstances, and the discretion of the supervising veterinarian.
The extern will have opportunities to shadow veterinarians during appointments, procedures, surgeries, emergency cases, and large animal or farm calls. As appropriate, the student will also be encouraged to obtain patient histories, perform physical examinations, present cases, formulate differential diagnoses, discuss diagnostic and treatment plans, assist with patient care, and participate in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under veterinary supervision.
Hands-on opportunities may include sample collection, venipuncture, catheter placement, injections, bandaging, diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, surgical assistance, patient restraint, and other clinical skills appropriate to the student's level of training.
The extern is expected to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and client service team members; demonstrate professionalism; maintain patient confidentiality; follow hospital safety and biosecurity protocols; and assist with reasonable patient-care responsibilities associated with the cases in which they participate.
The externship is intended to be an educational experience. The extern is not expected to replace veterinary technicians, assistants, or other hospital staff. Our goal is to provide progressively greater clinical involvement as the student demonstrates competence, confidence, sound judgment, and initiative.
532 Canady Rd
Parkton, NC 28371
United States